Banana Oat Cookies

I made these banana cookies this weekend and it was love at first bite. I'm already planning on making them again one night this week and shaping them into bars! SO FREAKIN GOOD! As per my usual, there is no oil or butter. These things are all about healthy, so moist, decadent, can't stop eating, I really wish I had some with me right now... ok you get the point! I can't believe how sweet these actually tasted considering the only sweet added is the bananas and the coconut, no added sugar here. Bring on the all natural baby!!

Did I mention there are flax seeds in these too? I'm currently having a love affair with flax seeds, I know it doesn't sound glamorous, but they are just so nutty and happy :) Neva can you eat flax seeds or are those an allergy too? Although I just realized these have both almonds and coconut in them :( I really am a bad friend constantly tormenting you with nuts galore! Sorry my dear :(

Go buy bananas now and stick them in a brown bag so they are super brown and happy by the weekend so you can make these!

In a large bowl combine the bananas, vanilla extract, and apple sauce. Set aside. In another bowl whisk together the oats, almond meal, flax seeds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in the chocolate chunks and dried fruit. Drop Tablespoon-fulls, onto a Silpat lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 - 14 minutes.

Makes about 2.5 dozen bite-sized cookies. I'll let you know how many bars once I make these again.

you know you want to chow me ... go buy some bananas!

UPDATE:So I made these in bar form last night! I put them into a 9" stoneware pan and cooked them for about 30 minutes. I cut them into 12 bars and brought them to the office. The results: "delicious" "these are sooo goood" "mmmmm" I like those kind of reactions! Sounds good to me!

Okay, I am seriously going to make these next time I have too ripe bananas. My boyfriend loves banana bread, but we need a change. I love healthy bars like this, so perfect for breakfast and on the go snaking!

I made these for a friend's film competition to keep everyone full and happy - They're DELICIOUS. They also keep VERY well in a sealed container. I suggest following the recipe as-is with no modifications.

I made these for a friend's film competition to keep everyone full and happy - They're DELICIOUS. They also keep VERY well in a sealed container. I suggest following the recipe as-is with no modifications.

I made these for my 1year old (minus the chocolate chips) and she LOVES them frozen! she only has 4 teeth but has no problem eating these - great "teething cookie" and one that is healthy makes for a happy mum!

Disclaimer

So this is the spot where I tell you that you are a big boy or girl and make food choices for yourself. I'm not a dietitian... nor do I play one on TV! I do this for fun and for the sake of sharing and meeting new people. If you don't agree with what I cook or the ingredients I use that is 100% ok, please just don't harass me with insults about why I choose to eat the way I do :) thank you!

Questions? Comments? Arguments?

I'm always happy to answer any questions you have! I may not know the answer... but I'll give it a good go! You can email me at stephchows (at) gmail (dot) com